We appreciate your desire to seek the best possible orthodontic care for you or your child. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Our goal is to create a beautiful healthy smile to help our patients in whichever direction life takes them. We hope to make your experience in our office as pleasant as possible and we pledge to treat each patient with the same loving attention as we would a member of our own family. Here are a few reasons to choose our office for your orthodontic needs:
- Is the doctor an orthodontic specialist? Our doctors have taken an additional three years of post-graduate work beyond the four years of dental school specifically for orthodontics. They are orthodontic specialists registered as members of the American Association of Orthodontists and limit their practice specifically to orthodontics.
- Is the doctor Board Certified? Dr. Dyken and Dr. Bailey are Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Dyken is among the small percentage of orthodontists in the United States to have also completed the clinical assessment of the American Board examination.
- Do you have convenient office hours? We sympathize with the hectic schedules of our patients. Because Island Orthodontics has two full-time orthodontists, we are able to provide more times and locations that will be convenient for your schedule. Our Foley office is equipped specifically for orthodontics with the latest in digital imaging and radiography. We are in Foley 2 days every week, Gulf Shores 2 days every week, and Robertsdale one day a week. Our goal is to provide a convenient location for our patients, while also providing convenient times for busy patients and their parents to schedule appointments. We listen to the needs of our patients and adjust our schedule accordingly.
- Do you get your patients in and out of braces during the estimated treatment time? The most frequently asked question in any orthodontic practice is, “When am I getting my braces off?” We have a very high success rate of completing treatment during the estimated treatment time. Our doctors pay particular attention to dental age and do not start treatment too early. Our treatment mechanics, bracket placement, and an efficient system to monitor treatment progress all combine to complete treatment during the estimated time with the best possible final results.
- Do you speak with the parents at each appointment? Our certified assistants will speak to you at each appointment to discuss treatment progress. Our doctors are committed to keeping you informed throughout treatment and will always make time to answer your questions.
- What are the qualifications of the office support staff? Island Orthodontics is proud of our All-Star Orthodontic Team. We feel the most important aspect of any office is a friendly, professional, and fun staff. This creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Patients appreciate seeing the same smiling faces of our team throughout their orthodontic treatment. The average team member has been with Island Orthodontics for eight years. Together the staff has over 150 years of experience. Many team members have also taken the additional step of receiving a hygiene degree. We believe our patients deserve highly skilled and trained professional team members.
- Do you explain all the options of treatment required to treat a particular case? We are always interested in presenting the best possible treatment plan for you or your child. Sometimes options are available. We believe that patients and parents should be involved in decisions about their orthodontic care.
- Do you re-use brackets that have been in someone else’s mouth? We do not recycle bands or brackets – ever! Some practices do re-use brackets. Even though the braces are usually sterilized, we feel this is a disservice as wear and tear on the braces decreases their effectiveness. Braces are precision devices which are manufactured and intended for single use only.
- How often are X-rays taken? During treatment there are changes that may occur and go unnoticed without a radiograph. A panoramic radiograph is a detailed X-ray that is taken to visualize these changes. At our practice we routinely take a panoramic radiograph every 6 months to check for signs of root resorption, root positioning, and the supporting bone around the teeth. There is no additional charge for these X-rays.
- How much is the treatment fee? Orthodontics is an investment for a lifetime! Orthodontic fees and philosophies may vary widely amongst offices, and it is important for you to be comfortable with both. Many times a treatment fee is quoted at an orthodontic office for the treatment only, and may not include records or retainers. This gives an incorrect perception of your fee. Beware of additional fees that may be charged at other offices. We feel very strongly about honesty with our patients. We want you to know, up front, what your entire fee includes so there are no surprises at the end. Our fee is all-inclusive which consists of all appliances for the estimated treatment time, your final retainers, and one year retention.
We take great pride in providing you with the very best in orthodontic care. We know you will develop confidence in our office and hope you will feel comfortable in recommending us to your friends and family.